Hey Melissa, care to share a little bit about yourself?

I currently reside in Los Angeles, CA and I'm obsessed with the city! I love music (currently learning how to DJ and play piano) and doing yoga on my free time.
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Can you tell us what you do as a Marketing & Media Ops Specialist for the LA Rams for those who are unfamiliar?

I'm a Marketing & Media Ops specialist for the LA Rams football team. My role is to work cross-functionally with marketing, creative, and media to manage campaigns from start to finish. I work collaboratively with people like the CMO, Creative Director, Manager of Partnerships, Digital Coordinator, etc. to execute marketing/media initiatives that are well thought out, on brand, and aligned with NFL league guidelines. In addition, I help streamline processes for all departments within the organization.
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How did you decide to pursue your specific career?

I was in the entertainment (TV and Film) industry for a few years and liked it...but was never fully invested in the content I was working on.

It was when I worked in the marketing/media department at FOX Sports that I realized that I loved working in sports. It was not only the content, but the people  that really changed the direction of my career. Many people that I've worked alongside in sports have been not only been extremely smart & ambitious, but also considerate and emotionally intelligent. Granted, I can't say that everyone in sports is this way, but I was lucky to have worked with those that are.
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What made you interested in your field?

I realized earlier college that I wanted to pursue Marketing. I was drawn to it because it combines business, psychology and art into one. All three of which I thoroughly enjoy.
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Any advice on how to stand out and get hired for those starting off?

Be assertive. The biggest piece of advice I give to those in the interview process is to show that you're a proactive, assertive person.

For example, a common interview question is 'What is your greatest weakness?' Many candidates simply state their weakness and move on, but this is a missed opportunity. I encourage people to make sure that their answer contains 20% of explaining what their weakness is and 80% of how exactly they fixed and overcame it. This shows that you're constantly moving, growing, and proactive in who you are as a candidate.
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3 Character traits that would make someone excel in your field

1) Strong, clear communication. Can you clearly present your ideas and thoughts in a room full of executives? Can you use communication to align several departments heads on something?
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2) Organized. Are you able to keep good track of timelines, details, email comms, etc.?

3) Polite (not to a fault). People like working with people they like. You must be polite and considerate without being a pushover.
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Most difficult thing about your job?

People and technology advance at such a rapid pace. It's hard to know how to market to an audience when they're ever changing.
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What would you like to say to your younger self?

You can be both kind and strong. Being one does not mean you cannot be the other.
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Best advice you've received/heard?

"Make each day your masterpiece" John Wooden 😊
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Any last thoughts, advice, or recommendations for someone who is interested in marketing and media ops?

1) Network a ton! And when you do, leave a strong, positive impression. Doing this will take you far.
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2) Read up on emotional intelligence! It has growing significance in the job market